CHARGERS MATCHUPS: Vs. Tennessee Titans

Philip Rivers has been the Chargers' lifeblood. He's throwing a
lot and moving the ball with efficiency, even though his receivers
and running backs are turning the ball over. Vince Young doesn't
have Rivers' passing prowess, but he continues to win games. He has
improved his deep throwing skills and has the Titans playing
well.

Edge: Chargers

Running backs

Chris Johnson is the best running back in the NFL. He's strong
yet elusive, with the ability to run around and through a defender.
The Chargers have underwhelmed in the running game, showing little
commitment to making it work. Rookie Ryan Mathews has demonstrated
himself to be both mistake-prone and talented, producing several
impressive runs while also showing a penchant for turnovers and bad
decisions.

Edge: Titans

Receivers

Titans receiver Kenny Britt is on a solid run this season and
has become a legitimate deep threat for Young. Nate Washington is
also productive, giving the Titans their best receiving corps in
recent memory. The Chargers, meanwhile, have been plagued by
injuries, leaving Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates and veteran
receiver Patrick Crayton to pick up the slack. The Chargers don't
have a deep threat without Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee -- both
are hurt -- which compacts the opposing coverage scheme.

Edge: Titans

Offensive line

The Titans are a nasty, physical bunch who have consistently
created room for Johnson to run. The unit performs well with an
unpredictable quarterback who frequently leaves the pocket. The
Chargers have been strong on the left side, but RG Louis Vasquez
and RT Jeromey Clary have come under fire for mental mistakes.

Edge: Titans

Defensive line

The Chargers don't get much statistical production from this
unit in their 3-4 scheme, but the front line fills gaps and gives
linebackers the glory. NT Antonio Garay leads this group, with run
stopping ability and a knack for getting to the passer. Former
Charger Dave Ball has excelled for Tennessee, and is a productive
member of a solid group.

Edge: Even

Linebackers

The Chargers have proven dynamic in this area. Kevin Burnett is
having a career year, Stephen Cooper is a strong leader and the
outside rushers have been strong defending the run and the pass.
Stephen Tulloch is strong through the middle for Tennessee, and
Will Witherspoon has been productive, but the Chargers starting
unit ranks among the best in the NFL.

Edge: Chargers

Secondary

The Chargers have the NFL's best pass defense. Antoine Cason and
Quentin Jammer are a dynamic duo on the edge, and, while his
production hasn't been similar, free safety Eric Weddle is having a
productive season. The Titans have Cortland Finnegan at cornerback
and Michael Griffin at free safety, but rank No. 23 in pass
defense.

Edge: Chargers

Special teams

The Chargers are awful in this area, especially without K Nate
Kaeding. The coverage teams have improved, but Darren Sproles seems
tentative as a return man. The Titans have a solid returner in Marc
Mariani, who has a 28-yard kickoff return average and 98-yard
return for a touchdown.

Edge: Titans

Final analysis

The Chargers have consistently found a way to hurt themselves.
The Titans are a team that forces mistakes and capitalizes on them.
The Chargers will struggle against such an opponent, especially on
offense. This will be a low scoring affair, but Chris Johnson will
wear the Chargers down late and carry the Titans to victory.